Faith, Money, and Power: The Two Forces That Move the Masses
When the Faithful Are Tried
When early Christians faced persecution and martyrdom, they did not riot, burn cities, or storm palaces. They did not dox their oppressors or destroy property in revenge. Instead, they followed the example of Christ Himself—who, when arrested and beaten, offered no resistance, saying, “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).
The Roman world was astonished by this strange new faith. Christians were mocked, tortured, and publicly executed. Yet they sang hymns as they died. They forgave their executioners. And, as early church father Tertullian wrote, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”
Their restraint was not weakness—it was witness. They understood that vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19).
Why Didn’t They Riot?
The answer lies in the heart of Christian belief. Faith in Christ compels obedience, humility, and trust in God’s justice rather than man’s. True followers of Christ are taught to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), not to answer hatred with hatred.
Martyrdom in the early Church was seen as the highest form of faith—a demonstration that God’s kingdom was not of this world. To riot in revenge would be to trade the eternal for the temporary.
So, when we ask, “Why didn’t Christians riot when Charlie Kirk was martyred?” the answer echoes across two thousand years of history: because Christianity was never built on violence, but on faith.
Follow the Money: Filthy Lucre and Human Motivation
Scripture warns that “filthy lucre”—dishonest gain—corrupts the soul (Titus 1:11). Over the course of human history, there have been two primary forces capable of moving the masses: faith and money.
Faith calls humanity upward—to sacrifice, to service, to righteousness. Money pulls in the opposite direction—toward greed, corruption, and control. Both can stir nations to action; both can spark revolutions.
When belief in God burns bright, people will risk everything for truth. When faith grows cold, money becomes the only master. As Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).
Politics, Power, and the Price of Opposition
Why, then, are so many politicians and institutions vehemently opposed to Donald Trump—often fighting everything he does and says? The answer, once again, can be found in Scripture and history.
Politics is the struggle for power, and power follows money. Those who control the flow of wealth—corporations, lobbyists, media conglomerates—often fear any disruption to their influence. When a leader arises who cannot be easily controlled, the establishment reacts.
In Christ’s time, it was the same. The Pharisees and Sadducees were not merely religious leaders—they were political power brokers. They feared that Jesus’ growing following would threaten their authority and their economic arrangements with Rome (John 11:48). Their hatred was not only theological—it was financial and political.
So too today: money, control, and ideology intertwine. Those whose positions depend on maintaining the status quo will always resist reformers who challenge the system.
Biblical Parallels to Modern Politics
Throughout Scripture, prophets confronted rulers who abused power or wealth. Elijah rebuked King Ahab for injustice (1 Kings 21). Nathan called out King David for his sin (2 Samuel 12). John the Baptist lost his head for condemning Herod’s corruption (Matthew 14).
The Bible paints a consistent picture: truth-tellers rarely find favor with those who profit from deceit.
As Paul wrote to Timothy:
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness” (1 Timothy 6:10).
When faith motivates the masses, movements are born. When money motivates the masses, corruption follows. And when both collide—faith challenging profit—the world shakes.
The Spiritual Battle Behind the Curtain
The real struggle in our world is not between left and right, Republican or Democrat, Trump or Biden—it is between faith and greed, truth and deception, God’s will and man’s ambition.
Politicians may believe they are fighting for policy or ideology, but beneath the surface lies an ancient conflict: the lust for power versus the call to serve. Jesus warned that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Few in power heed that command.
Conclusion: What Moves You?
If faith and money are indeed the two great motivators of mankind, then each of us must decide which master we will serve.
The Christian who reacts in violence betrays the Gospel he claims to defend. The politician who bows to greed betrays the people he claims to serve.
History proves that empires rise and fall on these two pillars—faith and money. The faithful build civilizations; the greedy consume them.
As Jesus said, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).
And perhaps, when we understand that truth, we will finally see why Christians do not riot when one of their own is martyred—because our treasure is not of this world.
Scriptural References:
- Matthew 26:52
- Romans 12:19-21
- Titus 1:11
- Matthew 6:24
- 1 Timothy 6:10
- John 11:48
- Mark 10:43
- Matthew 6:19-20